Non smooth brake lever action?

[Taipan]

Hi All.
My front brake lever doesn't have a smooth pull when applying the front brake. It seems a bit notchy? I've cleaned and regreased the pivot bolt but still the action isn't smooth. So I've once again checked the pistons, calipers and pins but all are fine. Any ideas why the lever action isn't smooth when pulling the brake on?
Thanks.

When was the last time the fluid was changed? It normally means either the hoses are flexing or there is air in the system.

[jambo]

Have you removed the pin, and the lever, cleaning the surfaces of the lever, and master cylinder as well as just the pivot pin? Dirt build up would be my first thought.

Jambo

[Spanner Man]

Good afternoon.


When you're getting a slightly gritty feel when you pull the lever, it is often caused by a little corrosion under the rubber boot that's around the external end of the master cylinder piston.
Lift the boot with a suitable pointed tool, & get a squirt of silicone lube in there. I wouldn't use WD40 type products, as they could affect the master cylinder outer seal.


Cheers.

[Taipan]

Originally Posted by Stig_Of_The_Dump

When was the last time the fluid was changed? It normally means either the hoses are flexing or there is air in the system.

I dont know when the fluid was last changed. Its on the "to do" list but I was holding out until I've got some braided hose to replace the balloons with. Maybe I'll just give it a fluid change at the wekend.

Originally Posted by jambo

Have you removed the pin, and the lever, cleaning the surfaces of the lever, and master cylinder as well as just the pivot pin? Dirt build up would be my first thought.

Jambo

I removed the pin and lever but probably wasn't that thorough with the housing thinking about it. Another job for the weekend.

Thanks everyone.

[Sid Squid]

Another common cause of such a problem is lever wear.
Remove the lever and look at the area that contacts the master cylinder's piston, is it worn flat? If so and if the damage is slight it is somtimes possible to gently re-shape the area with a fine file - but only if the damage is slight.
When reassembling carefully use a suitable grease on the contact point.

[Taipan]

Originally Posted by Sid Squid

Another common cause of such a problem is lever wear.
Remove the lever and look at the area that contacts the master cylinder's piston, is it worn flat? If so and if the damage is slight it is somtimes possible to gently re-shape the area with a fine file - but only if the damage is slight.
When reassembling carefully use a suitable grease on the contact point.

I'll check that too. Many thanks.

btw, on the adjustable levers you can disassemble them, where the pivot bolt goes through, theres a brass type tube, you can push that out too, clean, grease and replace.
it's fidly as there is a small spring keeping it under pressure.

Not sure if this will help your issue.

[Taipan]

Originally Posted by MHP ltd

btw, on the adjustable levers you can disassemble them, where the pivot bolt goes through, theres a brass type tube, you can push that out too, clean, grease and replace.
it's fidly as there is a small spring keeping it under pressure.

Not sure if this will help your issue.

Worth checking though, so many thanks.

I had the same issue with mine. it turned out to be the mating surfaces between the lever and the pivot point. I cleaned it up and greased it, and it was smooth as the preverbial baby's. For about a week when it got knotchy again.
I'm considering a new brake setup (maybe GSXR) master cylinder and lever.

Richie K